A land of Illyrian roots and many waterfalls

Ljubuški is yet another in a string of ancient regional cities. It is located 35 kilometers from Mostar. It was built on the banks of beautiful Trebižat River. Its mild climate, good geographic location, and abundance of water made Ljubuški an attractive place to settle even in prehistoric times. The first known settlers were of the Illyrian tribe Daors. Numerous kamene gomile (ancient tombstones) were found in the area – some of them dating to 18th century BC. Romans, who built a military compound called Bigesta, then inhabited the site. Excavation of the Bigesta ruins unearthed baths with saunas and countless samples of money, tools, ceramics, and weapons. At least 600 stećci – with their unique decorations and carvings – were found in 45 different locations in the Ljubuški area. Ljubuški was first mentioned in 1444 as the city of Lubussa. The Old Fort was built around this time. In 1884, the oldest museum in Bosnia and Herzegovina was founded at the Humac Franciscan Monastery. The most attractive natural site in Ljubuški is the Kravica Waterfall. With a natural pool at its base, this 28-meter waterfall is one of the most impressive in the country. It’s the locals’ favorite camping and swimming site. There is another beautiful waterfall – 12 kilometers from Ljubuški – in the village of Veljaci. The Koćuša Waterfall is 12 meters high. There are several old watermills nearby. Some of them still function. Very close is the vrilo (source) of Vrioštica River. This is where Ljubuški gets its drinking water. Around the source, there is a recreational and picnic area.

When to go

Train

Ljubuški has no train station. The closest one is in Čapljina, 15 kilometers away.

Bus

Address Zvonimirova 1. Phone  039 831 991.

Ljubuški is well connected to both Sarajevo and Croatia. Daily bus from Sarajevo to Split stops in Ljubuški. Buses from Zagreb to Čapljina, Dubrovnik to Vinkovci, and Sarajevo to Grude, all stop in Ljubuški.

Automobile

Ljubuški is 35 kilometers from Mostar, going via Čitluk. From Sarajevo, it will take a little over two hours to drive 169 kilometers on the M17 highway. From Dubrovnik, it's 131 kilometers driving on the main coastal road.